solve

[solv]

verb (used with object)

solved, solving 

1. to find the answer or explanation for; clear up; explain.

   to solve the mystery of the missing books.

   Synonyms: crack, untangle, unravel, resolve

2. to work out the answer or solution to (a mathematical problem).

solve

/ sɒlv /

verb

1. to find the explanation for or solution to (a mystery, problem, etc)

2. maths

   1. to work out the answer to (a problem)

   2. to obtain the roots of (an equation)

Other Word Forms

• solver noun
• presolve verb (used with object)
• unsolved adjective
• well-solved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of solve¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English solven, from Latin solvere “to loosen, free, release”

Word History and Origins

Origin of solve¹

C15: from Latin solvere to loosen, release, free from debt

Example Sentences

AI won’t be just the next big thing in solving fraud; it might be the biggest part of the problem.

Read more on MarketWatch

But D'Alessandro argues that though US intervention might solve a wider problem, nothing will change in "people's real lives".

Read more on BBC

Think of it more as a story that unfolds and needs solving.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Freeing private investors to help solve America’s infrastructure crisis will require bold local and national political leadership.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

More AI workloads are transitioning from training to inferencing, which is the process using AI models to answer questions and solve problems.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• clarify 
• clear up 
• deal with 
• decide 
• determine 
• do 
• explain 
• figure out 
• fix 
• have 
• iron out 
• settle 
• work out